Thai-Style Sirloin Steak with Red Curry Sauce and Spicy Carrot Salad

When you need a break from the grill, but still want a steak loaded with flavor, this is the dish for you. You can find Thai red curry paste in the Asian section of your supermarket, or try an Asian market, which might have more brand options. Be sure to shake the coconut milk vigorously before you open the can.

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Preparation

Season the steak all over with 1-1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak, flipping once, until well browned outside and medium rare inside, 10 to 12 minutes total.

Meanwhile, put the remaining 1 Tbs. oil, 2 Tbs. of the lime juice, 1-1/2 Tbs. of the fish sauce, and 1 tsp. of the sugar in a large bowl and whisk to combine and dissolve the sugar. Add the carrots, cilantro, and chiles and toss well to coat.

When the steak is done, transfer to a large plate, loosely cover with foil, and keep warm. Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add 1/3 cup water and bring to a boil, scraping with a wooden spoon to release any brown bits. Add the coconut milk, curry paste, and the remaining 1 Tbs. lime juice, 1/2 Tbs. fish sauce, and 1 tsp. sugar; cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Thinly slice the steak across the grain and transfer to plates. Spoon the sauce over the top and serve with the carrot salad on the side.

Delicious, lighter way to enjoy red curry. Drizzling the sauce over the steak (rather than submerging it as takeout does) provides lots of flavor with less calories. Carrot salad was a very nice addition and is versatile. It was wonderful on sandwiches the next day.